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Biology (M.S.)

Program Overview

The M.S. Biology program focuses on increasing depth of knowledge, engaging in state-of-the-art research techniques, and engaging in applications of content taught at the undergraduate level. Students have the option of either the Thesis or Non-Thesis track. Students from this program have gone into private industry, forensic science, work with NGOs and non-profits, higher education, and secondary education.

The program emphasis is ecology and environmental science but open to any area within biology. Program quality is particularly enhanced by the facilities, opportunities for study and research activities at the Biological Field Station in Cooperstown, NY. This site provides students with a research complex that contains several multipurpose and analytical laboratories, two lakefront docks, boats, sampling equipment and access to over 2,600 acres of woodlands, bogs, marshes and ponds.

Thesis Option

The M.S. in Biology Thesis Option was established to prepare students for undertaking doctoral studies at university centers and to train technicians for specialized career opportunities in the biological sciences. In this track, students focus on an independent research topic and develop a research thesis that is presented in written and oral forms to the college community.View degree requirements for the M.S. in Biology Thesis Option

Non-Thesis Option

The M.S. in Biology Non-Thesis Option is designed to offer post-graduate education for biology teachers in secondary schools and two-year colleges, and for those who desire a broad understanding of biological topics at an advanced level. In this track, students select from a wider array of elective courses in biology, and produce a research paper directed on a single topic area within biology.View degree requirements for the M.S. in Biology Non-Thesis Option